distressed 1 of 2

Definition of distressednext

distressed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of distress

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of distressed
Adjective
The state budget also included $300 million in healthcare subsidies and $200 million in loans to protect distressed hospitals. Luis Melecio-Zambrano, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 The victim and the other distressed swimmers were brought onto Gamache’s boat, which transported them to the nearest boat launch, WOFL reported. David Chiu, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
Some users were distressed last year after OpenAI made changes that made the bot less people-pleasing. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 1 June 2026 And so, hounded by creditors and distressed by mounting debts, the remaining family had to leave their formerly genteel surroundings for the gritty, unsentimental shadows of the Yoshiwara. Literary Hub, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for distressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for distressed
Adjective
  • Both scandals spurred reforms by state lawmakers that nevertheless failed to streamline a complex disciplinary process and left gaps for troubled businesses to continue operating.
    Gregory Royal Pratt, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Jesus showed that physical problems, troubled relationships, financial needs, and even personal wilderness experiences can be resolved by holding thought to Mind’s all-powerful, entirely good reality.
    The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Some people also report low mood, irritability, or even depressed states.
    Teresa Maalouf, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Slow money growth means weak nominal growth and low inflation, which in turn keeps interest rates and bond yields depressed—and the yen weak.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Terrified Jewish voters—alarmed by progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s anti-Zionist rhetoric—are fleeing to Republican Mike Rogers for self-preservation.
    Staff, FOXNews.com, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Beau Woods, a former adviser to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Boeing’s Industry Cyber Technical Council, was alarmed by the findings.
    Frank Landymore, Futurism, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For the agitated activist—Mike Davis’ Late Victorian Holocausts with Equator.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Sometimes, Brun appeared agitated or sweaty at council meetings.
    Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • At the Paks nuclear reactor, Hungary decided to reduce output to 25 percent in the wake of reduced water levels.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Aug. 2026
  • This was a reduced version called by new offensive coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase, with minimal opponent-specific game planning and facing the Chiefs’ backups.
    Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Paper wasps build nests under eaves, benches and fence railings and will sting if disturbed.
    Tim Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, men are also disturbed by the NFL's social media plan.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Sitting on the rim of his consciousness was always cataclysm, the muted whisper of a ruined world.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Kiser’s husband, Brady Kiser, said he had been briefly distracted while watching Trigg while his wife was away.
    Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Debbie intervenes to defuse the tension, then gets distracted by the presence of her nemesis, Cha Cha.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Distressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/distressed. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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